Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has suspended the Maldives from international participation, citing significant external involvement in the operations of its national governing body. The decision, formally conveyed to the Maldives Olympic Committee (MOC), stems from a prolonged period of governance stagnation and a subsequent series of actions by Maldivian authorities that the BWF deems as breaches of its rules.
The core of the issue lies in the Maldivian badminton association’s failure to hold elections for new leadership, despite the executive committee’s term expiring over a year ago. Additionally, essential amendments to the organization’s internal regulations have remained unimplemented. In response to these delays, the Maldivian sports commissioner and the MOC initiated the formation of an ad hoc panel to oversee reforms and organize leadership elections, following the withdrawal of the association’s national recognition.
Initially, the BWF had recommended establishing a transitional body of three members, to be formed in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Local authorities later proposed expanding this group to five, including a legal expert and a representative from within the sporting community. While the BWF reportedly expressed no objection in principle to the expanded structure, a consensus on the final composition was never reached.
According to a letter sent by BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund to MOC counterpart Samuh Ahmed, dated Friday (specific date not provided but referencing earlier communications from April 24 and May 11), the MOC proceeded to appoint the two additional individuals unilaterally, bypassing consultation with the international federation and original partners. The MOC then declared that the expanded body would operate on a majority-vote basis, a move the BWF did not endorse.
Further complicating the situation, the five-member panel was subsequently dissolved and replaced with a new three-person committee, which notably excluded representatives from the BWF and the local leadership. The BWF states that this restructuring was directed by the commissioner and executed without proper coordination.
Following an internal review, the BWF’s governance commission concluded that these actions amounted to unwarranted interference by domestic authorities in the autonomy of the national federation, a clear breach of Article V of its Rules of Procedure. As a result, membership privileges for the Maldives have been suspended, with final ratification expected at the next BWF Annual General Meeting.
The BWF has clarified that the suspension could be lifted if Maldivian authorities agree to engage in dialogue with officials elected through a legitimate process. The global body will continue to monitor developments and review the situation as it evolves.